Canada: Real Estate
Largely avoiding the impact of the global financial crisis, Canadian real estate remains a relatively stable sector. Our research identifies 36 outstanding individuals who lead the field in this marketplace.
Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP excels in our findings with eight industry experts selected for inclusion. Described as “one of the top lawyers in the county”, Jim Hilton is also one of the most highly nominated individuals in our research. Chair of the firm’s real estate group, Hilton has over 30 years of commercial real estate experience. Thomas von Hahn is “first-rate” and is an advisor to pension funds, institutional and private investors. He recently acted for subsidiaries of Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan on the $140 million purchase of Lansdowne Place. Garth Anderson’s practice focuses on the acquisition, development and financing of commercial real estate and infrastructure projects. In Toronto, Silvana D’Alimonte is a “brilliant lawyer” and Calgary-based Richard Dawson is renowned for the depth of his practice. He has advised on transactions relating to office buildings, shopping centres, multi-family residential projects and industrial buildings. Jeff Merrick has expertise in buying, selling, leasing, financing and developing commercial real estate and infrastructure projects and Gayle Hunter is highly regarded for her work in development, construction financing and commercial leasing. Completing the list, Chris Huband has an impressive client base that includes pension funds, mutual funds, life insurance companies and other institutional investors.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP features prominently in our research with seven lawyers listed in this chapter. The “formidable” Gordon Sato has an extensive practice covering a full range of sectors from office developments to shopping centres. A “superb lawyer” Abraham Costin acts for OMERS Realty Management Corporation and Oxford Properties Group and Pierre-Denis Leroux is a recognised name. Fred Rubinoff is “very skilful” and his practice includes secured transactions, land development and shopping centre and office leasing. Keith Burrell QC is a respected name for his work with major real estate developers as well as investors seeking commercial income properties. Kieth Mullback is especially noted for his experience in commercial mortgage financing and James Papadimitriou is a “prominent name” in Montreal.
Stikeman Elliott LLP performs well in our research with a total of four partner inclusions. Douglas Klaassen is co-head of the firm’s structured finance and financial products group, and is a “top name in the mortgage space”. Brenda Hebert is described as “brilliant for her work in renewable real estate” and also acts for developers and lenders with respect to non-utility generation projects. In Montreal, Neil Bindman “is one of the city’s best names” and Vancouver-based Ross MacDonald is lauded for his work involving pension fund syndications, public-private partnership infrastructure and concession agreements.
A respected trio of names are listed from Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. Senior partner Robert Bauer is recognised for his work in large development projects, including hospitals, rail stations and technology parks. Gregory Howard is “top class” and has acted for big name clients including Wal-Mart Canada Realty and the “exceptional” Pierre-André Themens is managing partner of the firm.
At Bennett Jones LLP, Paul Mantini is credited for his role in some of Canada’s most complex property transactions. His career highlights include being involved with projects such as the Toronto Eaton Centre and Niagara Fallsview Casino. Wayne Whitlock is co-leader of the firm’s real estate practice and acts for financial institutions and developers.
Two names stand out at Goodmans LLP. The “outstanding” Stephen Belgue has been singled out for his work relating to real estate development and has been lead counsel in some of Toronto’s most high profile projects. Accompanying him is the “brilliant” Juli Morrow, a large part of whose practice involves financing and refinancing real estate assets.
At Borden Ladner Gervais LLP the “well respected” Morton G Gross QC chairs the national public-private infrastructure projects group. He is joined by David Mydske whose practice includes advising on the purchase, sale, development, leasing and financing of retail, office and industrial properties.
Daoust Vukovich LLP is highly regarded for its commercial leasing and property development practice with Dennis Daoust a known specialist in both of these areas. Natalie Vukovich is a “commercial leasing expert” and practices exclusively in this sector.
Larry Sandrin at Bull Housser & Tupper LLP is “very knowledgeable” and his work has an emphasis on major governmental approval processes in comprehensive development projects. At De Grandpré Chait LLP, Fredric Carsley is leader of the firm’s real estate group and focuses on major retail and office projects. He was also the former head of the Canadian shopping centre industry government relations representation team.
At Farris Vaughan Wills & Murphy LLP the “highly experienced” David E Gillanders QC boasts a broad client base including development companies, major retailers, pension funds and offshore investors. Richard Clare at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is a “distinguished practitioner” with noteworthy expertise in real estate development, portfolio dispositions and acquisitions and financings.
Stephen Messinger at Minden Gross LLP is a member of the firm’s commercial leasing group and is a favourite with property and asset managers. His clients also include banks, developers, retail chains, trust companies and pension funds. At Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP the “fantastic” George Valentini is held in high esteem by his peers. In particular he impressed for his role as adviser to Dundee REIT in its sale of a $2.4 billion real estate portfolio to GE.